Lake Urmia Protests in Iran

An environmental cause has resparked political unrest in Iran. Protesters have been trying to save Lake Urmia (also known as Lake Orumieh), a salt lake in northwestern Iran that means a lot to the livelihoods of many people. But the peaceful protests have been cracked down on harshly by the Iranian government. Over 20 arrests, mostly of Azeri activists, have been made, rather than do anything to save the lake. Due to government action and inaction, such as constructing too many dams on rivers that feed into it, and neglecting to curb overly aggressive agrarian usage, Lake Urmia is drying up quickly. The destruction of the lake will mean the destruction of many livelihoods and a wide array of wildlife.